History walk, architecture talk part of Preservation Month

CHICO &GT;&GT; With Chico a virtual cornucopia of history, any excuse to celebrate is a good one, advocates say.

They could not ask for a better occasion than the nationally recognized Preservation Month, which encourages community to celebrate the preservation and restoration of their historic structures. In Chico, recognition of the designation includes walking tours of historic areas, a preservation awards ceremony and presentation on local architecture.

"Retention of architectural character and historic structures remain part of the fabric of any city," said Richard Macias, president of the Chico Heritage Association.

The nonprofit is the workhorse behind this month's events, as well as citywide preservation efforts to protect Chico's cultural heritage. Last week the association organized a walking tour of south campus residences and today Randy Taylor will lead a walking tour of downtown businesses.

Taylor, who worked downtown for many years, likes to highlight the Oddfellows building, the Waterland-Breslauer Building and John Bidwell's first store, among many others. He carries with him pictures to show what once stood where parking lots have overtaken and new structures have risen.

"It's a beautiful downtown," he said. "It still retains a lot of character."

Taylor has no favorites on the walk, which he expects to take about two hours. But he always draws attention to the Oser's building at Third and Main streets, the former Hotel Oaks kitty-corner from the Chico Museum and the one-time Park Hotel near where Chico Paper Company is today.

"I focus on the stories behind the buildings — what was where, what is gone, what is still there, the buildings and the people and the businesses that were in them," Taylor said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to tell the story of Chico and its roots."

In addition to the tours, each year the association designates awards to those who have made significant improvements in their property. Past recipients have included the owners of the former Thunderbird Lodge for redoing the historic sign and Eighth and Main Antiques for its restoration after a devastating fire.

This year, resident Michele Stover will be recognized with a special award for her extraordinary contribution to historic preservation and local history. Additionally, three homes will be recognized for their preservation and restoration — the Schwein Home at 491 E. Fourth St., the Walker Home at 702 W. Third St., and the Stamper Home on The Esplanade next to the Chico Veterans Memorial Hall

"Oftentimes in a community with a university and great demand for rental market, people take advantage of it. Places are not the most hospitable and could stand a bit more loving attention," Macias said. "But when you have people who are actively keeping buildings in great shape and keeping their historic character, it's a real impetus for those in the community to follow suit."

It's no small feat to dedicate to retaining a building's historic integrity, he said.

"Oftentimes people think taking an older house and fixing it up is a mixed bag of surprises," Macias said. "But if you have the resources to take care of it, I think it's admirable what you do."

Historic buildings are abundant in Chico, Macias said. The district south of campus has a number of buildings on the national registry and showcases a multitude of styles, offering much to learn about both the architecture and the people who lived there.

In a society that really lives in the new, it's wonderful to recognize the preservation of what's old, Macias said.

"The things that have value from the past, they should be maintained and they should be celebrated," Macias said. "That's why we encourage people to come out."